Rain Smith

For approximately 30 years, Anthony Addington, 50, has resided in a little house off Jayne Road, at the end of a steep gravel driveway overlooking Meadowview Parkway in Kingsport.

But on Monday the only signs of a home at the property were collapsed walls, a burned bathtub and charred clothing. A Sunday evening electrical fire quickly gutted the residence of Addington, his wife and a friend, presumably killing two of their three pet dogs.

A police report at the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office says the Sullivan West Volunteer Fire Department responded to the blaze at approximately 6 p.m. Addington told authorities he spotted a fire in a wall near a light switch and attempted to put it out with a fire extinguisher.

Addington say his attempts were unsuccessful, while his narrow and steep driveway presented difficulties for responding fire department units. The home — which Addington owned but did not have insured — was a total loss.

"It went fast," he said.

The American Red Cross responded to assist Addington, his wife and their friend in acquiring new clothing. Addington said he is currently residing with his daughter in Church Hill.

The Red Cross reports a second Sunday evening home fire displaced a family of seven in Rogersville. Hawkins County EMA director Gary Murrell said it occurred at 918 Route 70-N shortly before 7 p.m., with the cause still under investigation.

Individuals can help people affected by disasters like fires, as well as other crises locally and internationally, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief.

Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. For more information visit www.redcrossnetn.org or call (423) 378-8700.